This training is the first step to becoming a certified birth doula through DONA International, the premier doula organization in the world, serving in more than twenty countries. DONA International is the original, largest and most respected doula association in the world. Founded by the foremost experts on doula care, DONA International certification is a widely respected measure of quality and professionalism.

This training is open to anyone with a warm heart who recognizes that birth is a key life experience. It is designed to give you the framework to support women and their families during their birth experience. This dynamic course provides you ideas, information and inspiration to become an amazing birth doula. Graduates will be able to provide immediate labor support services to women giving birth in a hospital, birth center or at home. This training often becomes the foundation which many childbirth professionals build their career. Many midwifery programs require a doula training prior to admission. Completion off this course is an approved step toward DONA International Birth Doula Certification. This training provides 18 contact hours through DONA International.

Session topics include:

Introducing the Doula
The State of Maternity Care-Health Disparities
The Significance of Birth-Why Birth Matters
The Significance of Birth-Why Doulas Matter
DONA International Standards of Practice, Code of Ethics DONA International Certification
Creating Your Doula Business
Prenatal Client Contact
Emotional Support in Labor and Birth
Comfort Measures
Supporting a Woman with an Epidural
Supporting a Woman through an Induction
Supporting a Woman through a Cesarean Birth or VBAC
Challenging Labors-What's a Doula to Do?
Welcome to the World Sweet Baby
Breastfeeding Support
Postpartum Client Contact
Doula-ing the Doula
And much more!

The training is nestled in a quiet neighborhood in Olathe, KS. This comfortable space with kitchen provides the perfect environment for connecting and learning. There is space for nursing mothers to pump and a fridge/freezer to safely store breastmilk. There are a variety of restaurants, hotels and airbnb nearby for your convenience. Payment plans are available -- Just Ask!

The Basic Two Day Birth Doula Weekend Trainingis a DONA International approved training that provides the first step to becoming a DONA International Certified Doula. This training will allow you to begin work immediately as a DONA International Trained Birth Doula. It includes 18 contact hours of dynamic instruction. We cover the above topics through a variety of experiences that give you the confidence and knowledge to support childbearing women and their family. You will receive an updated DONA International Birth Doula Training Manual and the book, The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin, to reference during training and is on the required reading list to becoming certified.

This training runs from 8am to 6pm on both Saturday and Sunday. A continental breakfast, coffee/tea/juice and all day snacks will be freely available. We will break an hour for lunch. There are a variety of resturants close by or you may bring a lunch.

Upon completion (and all fees paid) you will receive your certificate. This training is valid for four years. Be sure to purchase yourDONA International Certification Packetprior to attending any births but it is NOT a requirement for attending the training. I suggest ordering it a month or two before your first birth as it is only valid for two years. You have four years to certify from this training.

As you venture out on your own, we are here to support you all along the way. Our continued support includes fellow classmate support, newsletters, an active facebook page, conference calls, unlimited phone and email support, discounts on future advanced doula trainings to enhance your skills, referrals and professional recommendations if needed.

This basic training is perfect for those who have already fulfilled their childbirth and breastfeeding class requirements, doulas from other organizations who would like to be dual certified, birth photographers and those who lack the time committment needed for a three day training. The Basic Two Day Birth Doula Weekend Workshop has an all inclusive fee of $375.

The All Inclusive Three Day Birth Doula Weekend Trainingincludes The Basic Two Day Birth Doula Weekend Workshop with a Friday Add On Day to complete your childbirth and breastfeeding class requirements for certification. The Childbirth for Doulas class and the Breastfeeding for Doulas class have been approved by DONA International. This allows you to condense the class requirements to one day. It is an easy way to check them off the list, have great background knowledge prior to the weekend training and meet fellow classmates. Friday's schedule includes Childbirth for Doulas class from 8:30am to 5:00pm and the Breastfeeding for Doulas class from 6pm to 9pm. This All Inclusive Three Day Birth Doula Weekend Workshop has a discounted fee of $475.

The Optional Friday Classesmay be taken seperately if desired if scheduling does not allow for the 3 day training or another trainer did not offer these classes. The Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas class fee is $100. The Introduction to Breastfeeding for Doulas class fee is $50 or both for $125. These classes are DONA International approved to meet the Birth Doula Certification guidelines.